Amid growing concern over the conflict in the Middle East, China's top diplomat Wang Yi said on Wednesday that the strategic significance of China-UAE ties had become more prominent, as Beijing reaffirmed its support for the United Arab Emirates' sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and pledged to continue working for a ceasefire.

During talks in Beijing with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, special envoy of the president of the UAE to China, Wang said timely strategic communication and deeper mutual trust between the two countries were increasingly important and would help bring peace and stability back to the region at an early date.

Reaffirming China's principled position on the regional situation, Wang thanked the UAE for its efforts in helping ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions. He said the war should never have happened and must not be allowed to continue, warning that further fighting would only lead to greater casualties and losses.

He said China condemned attacks on civilians and civilian facilities and would continue to work for an end to the fighting, with the aim of restoring peace and stability in the Middle East as soon as possible.

Wang also said China was ready to step up high-level exchanges with the UAE, strengthen the alignment of their development strategies and advance the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

Al Mubarak briefed Wang on the latest developments in the Middle East and said the UAE regarded China as a dependable and trustworthy friend and had full confidence in the country's future development.

He added that the UAE was willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with China, deepen cooperation in areas such as education, culture, energy and the economy, and further advance bilateral ties.